KYOTO ¨C As a key United Nations conference on climate change in Madrid entered its final days, Japan faced a barrage of criticism over its continued support for coal following a speech Wednesday by Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi.
Koizumi, speaking at the conference known as COP25, acknowledged the domestic and international criticism toward Japan¡¯s coal use, but defended the government¡¯s policy by saying the country was not getting enough credit for its efforts to move to other, more environmentally friendly energy sources.
¡°Of course I am aware of global criticism, including on our coal-related policies,¡± Koizumi said. ¡°A growing number of people in Japan, including myself, believe further climate actions must be taken.¡±
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